• Mohammed Siraj’s five-wicket haul secured India’s narrow 6-run win in the Oval Test.

  • India’s strong batting and Siraj’s key wickets helped them level the series 2-2 in England.

Fans erupt in jubilation as Mohammed Siraj’s fiery fifer helps India win Oval Test and draw series 2-2 against England
Mohammed Siraj’s fiery fifer seals a sensational win for India against England at The Oval (Image source: X)

Table of Contents

The England vs India 5th Test at The Oval, spanning July 31 to August 4, 2025, concluded in one of the most electrifying finishes in recent cricket history. India clinched the match by a narrow 6 runs, leveling the series 2-2 on English soil, much to the jubilation of fans worldwide. Central to this pulsating victory was Mohammed Siraj’s exceptional bowling performance, a fifer that turned the tide in India’s favour at crucial moments of the game.

Mohammed Siraj’s decisive fifer that defined the game on Day 5

Siraj’s bowling stood out as a masterstroke for India in this closely fought Test encounter. In England’s first innings, Siraj bowled 16.2 overs, conceding 86 runs but claiming 4 crucial wickets, demonstrating his skill and stamina. His impact intensified in the second innings where, despite a massive partnership blitz from England’s batters—including centuries from Harry Brook (111) and Joe Root (105)—Siraj delivered key breakthroughs. He dismissed notable batters such as Ollie Pope twice lbw, Joe Root with a vital wicket, and last-ball clean bowled of Zak Crawley at stumps on Day 3, helping restrict England’s chase. Over the entire match, Siraj bowled 30.1 overs, took 6 wickets for 104 runs, and bowled with both accuracy and fierce pace, rattling England’s batting lineup when it mattered most.

Siraj’s spell was not just about wickets but about his tactical acumen—bowling tight lines and delivering yorkers at critical junctures, denying England easy runs and building pressure incrementally. Despite a rare fielding lapse allowing Brook to survive early on, Siraj’s fiery bowling overshadowed that moment and proved decisive in the match’s outcome. This performance also elevated Siraj as India’s leading wicket-taker in the series and reinforced his reputation as a spearhead in India’s pace attack away from home.

Also WATCH: Ravindra Jadeja’s mid-match t-shirt change request to a spectator sparks laughter at The Oval

India level the series with heart and grit at the Oval

Chasing a challenging scenario in a high-stakes Test, India’s batting showed determination, and their bowlers, led by Siraj, rose to the occasion. India set a target of 374 runs for England after posting innings of 224 and 396. England, in reply, scored 247 and 367, falling agonizingly short by just 6 runs. The match ebbed and flowed with resilient batting efforts from India’s side—highlighted by a brilliant 118 from Yashasvi Jaiswal and significant contributions from Akash Deep and Ravindra Jadeja with half-centuries.

The narrow victory at The Oval ensured India not only won this crucial Test but also levelled the series 2-2, meaning they retained the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy on foreign soil. This remarkable achievement underlined India’s evolving prowess in English conditions, powered by a blend of young batting talents and incisive bowling performances. Siraj’s fifer was the defining chapter in this Test saga, as it inspired the team and ignited the crowd’s jubilation at witnessing India wrest back a thrilling victory from a formidable England side.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: Stump mic captures Shubman Gill’s cheeky ‘Injection Liya?’ remark to Akash Deep in Oval Test

Subscribe to Cricket Times on YouTube to watch Exclusive Interviews, Podcasts, Daily News Updates & Explainers.

TAGS:

CATEGORY: England Featured India Mohammed Siraj Test Twitter Reactions

For latest cricket news and updates, subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter.

About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.